Eritrea Encounters
7 Days Starting and ending in Asmara, Eritrea
Visiting: Asmara, Keren, Massawa, Dahlak Archipelago
Tour operator:
Tour code:
635
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 18
Age range:
12-95
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with "Eritrea Encounters," a tour that takes you through the heart of Eritrea's rich cultural and natural landscapes. Begin your journey in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Asmara, exploring its early 20th-century architecture and vibrant markets. Venture to the historic town of Keren, where you'll experience authentic local markets and visit the Sanctuary of Mariam Dearit. Descend to the coastal city of Massawa and set sail to the pristine Dahlak Archipelago, renowned for its stunning coral reefs and marine life. Enjoy beach camping under the stars with all meals and drinks included. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, wildlife exploration, and adventure, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a unique travel experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Asmara, Transfer To Hotel. Afternoon Guided Sightseeing
Location: Asmara
Accommodation Name: Asmara hotel
After arriving in Asmara, our driver will be waiting at the airport, to escort you to your hotel. In the afternoon, join our guided tour of Asmara, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's an interesting city, with early 20th century architecture and vibrant colours. Highlights of the tour include the Romanesque Santa Maria Cathedral and the Coptic Church Nda Mariam. We'll also have time to visit the historic Medeber market and the unique Fiat Tagliero garage. Later in the day we'll return to our hotel.
Day 2 : Optional Steam Locomotive. Head To Keren
Location: Keren
Accommodation Name: Keren hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
A century ago, the Italians built what was then considered a futuristic railway in Eritrea and in recent years, steam locomotives have returned to the tracks of this former Italian colony. Whilst much of the railway infrastructure is in a state of bad repair, when you step aboard the steam locomotive, you'll be transported back in time and take a journey along a route which straddles mountains, covered in prickly pears and experience breath-taking views. As the train isn't always operational, we have kept this experience as an optional extra which can be booked and paid for through your tour guide, the rate will be approximately $60.00 - the exact rate will be confirmed at the time of booking). Should be train be out of operation, we'll spend some additional time in Asmara this morning, before starting our journey Keren where we'll spend the night.
Day 3 : Exploring Keren
Location: Keren
Accommodation Name: Asmara hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The city of Keren, home to the Bilen people, sprawls a wide basin, surrounded by granite mountains on all sides, This part of Eritrea offers a slice of 'authentic Africa', with its nostalgic atmosphere. The most vivid and colourful attraction in Keren is of course the local market, which attracts tribes from the surrounding areas. The market has various sections, we'll make our way through the covered food market, past the streets dedicated to tailors and silversmiths and through the womens market, until we reach the river side where the wood and coal markets are held. Whilst in Keren, we'll also explore the Sanctuary of Mariam Dearit, where a Black Madonna, inserted in a Baobab tree is venerated. The Madonna of the Baobab is also highly venerated by Muslims and often there are multi-faith pilgrimages which take place. Our last visits in Keren will be to the Italian, Askari and British war cemeteries before we return to Asmara for the night.
Day 4 : To Massawa, Cruise To The Dahlak Islands
Location: Massawa
Accommodation Name: Dahlak Island Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As we leave Asmara today, our route will descend 2450 meters in just 100km of road, taking us to the coastal city of Massawa. From here we'll board our motorboat, which will take us to explore some of the pearls of the Red Sea, the Dahlak Islands. Whilst the exact route we take will be decided by the captain, taking into consideration weather conditions, we'll be sure to explore some of the most interesting and richest coral reefs in the area. During our 2 night excursion, we will set up camp on one of the islands and use this as a base to explore a number of other nearby islands. Our accommodation on the Dahlak Islands will be Igloo style tents (2.1 x 1.2 meters), which are equipped with 5cm mattresses, pillows, sheets, chairs and table. As fresh water is very scarce on the Dahlak Islands, daily showers are not always available and toilets will be 'bush style'. A cook will accommpany us to prepare meals for the group and these will feature fresh fish, traditional Danakil break, fruit, tea, coffee, pasta rice and traditional foul. 4 drinks per person per day are included in the cost of this excursion which include (water, soft drinks and beer).
Day 5 : Exploring The Dahlak Islands
Location: Dahlak Archipelago
Accommodation Name: Dahlak Island camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Dahlak Archipelago comprises of over 200 islands, in the pristine waters of the Red Sea. Known for its unique ecosystem, some say that it even rivals world renowned destintions such as The Maldives. The waters surrounding the Dahlak Islands are teeming with marine life, including unique fish species, corals and echinoderms. The archipelago can also offer rare glimpses of species such as Manta Rays, Turtles and Dolphins. We'll spend today exploring the islands further and spend another night beneath the starry skies.
Day 6 : Return To Asmara Via Massawa
Location: Asmara
Accommodation Name: Asmara hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sadly, our time in the Dahlak Islands comes to and end today as we leave the boat in Massawa. Time permitting, we may have the opportunity to take a short city tour before we return to Asmara where we'll spend our final night in Eritrea. Why not use this evening to purchase any last minute souvenirs, or visit a local restaurant for a farewell dinner with your new friends.
Day 7 : Free Time In Asmara. Transfer To The Airport For Departure (Extensions Available)
Location: Asmara
Accommodation Name: N/A
You'll have some free time in Asmara today, until you are transferred back to the airport for departure. For those looking to spend a little longer in Eritrea, we do offer a 2-night Asmara extension, which includes tours to visit Kohaito, Adi Quala and more.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 nights in Asmara, 1 night in Keren hotels, and 2 nights camping on the Dahlak Islands including equipment.
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Dahlak Island Cruise
Dahlak Island cruise including all meals and 4 drinks per day.
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Transport
All transport and transfers.
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Airport Transfers
24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service (on tour days).
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Tour Leader
Services of a local tour leader throughout (English and Italian speaking).
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Sightseeing Tours
All sightseeing tours as per itinerary.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees for visits included in the itinerary.
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Meals
Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
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Visa Invitation Letter
Visa invitation letter for most nationalities.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights (available on request).
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Eritrea Visa Fees
Eritrea visa fees (an invitation letter will be provided).
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Optional Train Journey
Optional journey on restored colonial train.
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Additional Visa Paperwork
Additional paperwork for Visa on Arrival service (for countries with no Eritrean Consulate).
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance (compulsory - available from Encounters Travel).
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Unspecified Meals
Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
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Personal Expenses
Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.
g.
laundry). -
Tips
Tips for tour leader and driver.
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Other Items
Any other items not mentioned above.
Mode of Transport
All transport and transfers are included, along with a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service on tour days.
Accommodation
Enjoy 3 nights in Asmara and 1 night in Keren hotels, along with 2 nights camping on the Dahlak Islands with provided equipment.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 3 nights in Asmara hotels, 1 night in a Keren hotel, and 2 nights camping on the Dahlak Islands with provided equipment such as Igloo style tents, mattresses, pillows, sheets, chairs, and tables.
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What meals are included during the Dahlak Island cruise?
All meals are included during the Dahlak Island cruise, along with 4 drinks per person per day, which include water, soft drinks, and beer.
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What is the optional activity available on Day 2?
On Day 2, there is an optional journey on a restored steam locomotive, which can be booked and paid for through your tour guide. The rate is approximately $60.00, but the exact rate will be confirmed at the time of booking.
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What kind of transport is included in the tour?
All transport and transfers are included in the tour, along with a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service on tour days.
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What kind of facilities can be expected during the camping on the Dahlak Islands?
During the camping on the Dahlak Islands, accommodation will be in Igloo style tents equipped with 5cm mattresses, pillows, sheets, chairs, and tables. Fresh water is scarce, so daily showers may not be available, and toilets will be 'bush style'. A cook will accompany the group to prepare meals.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, additional costs not included in the tour price are international flights, Eritrea visa fees, optional journey on the restored colonial train, additional paperwork for Visa on Arrival service, travel insurance, meals not indicated in the itinerary, personal expenses such as drinks and snacks, and tips for the tour leader and driver.
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What kind of wildlife can be expected during the Dahlak Islands excursion?
The waters surrounding the Dahlak Islands are teeming with marine life, including unique fish species, corals, and echinoderms. There are also rare glimpses of species such as Manta Rays, Turtles, and Dolphins.
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Is there a tour leader provided during the trip?
Yes, the services of a local tour leader who speaks English and Italian are provided throughout the trip.
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What are some of the key attractions visited in Asmara?
In Asmara, key attractions include the Romanesque Santa Maria Cathedral, the Coptic Church Nda Mariam, the historic Medeber market, and the unique Fiat Tagliero garage.
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What is the visa requirement for this tour?
A visa invitation letter is provided for most nationalities, but Eritrea visa fees are not included in the tour price. Additional paperwork may be required for Visa on Arrival service for countries with no Eritrean Consulate.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.
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How many people do you take on your Trips?
On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.
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